Foot In Mouth Syndrome

When it comes to Foot in Mouth Syndrome sometimes I feel like I've got the lions share...

Okay, sorry had to get that one out of my system, I really do get embarrassed, just like that up there. There are times I really wouldn't mind if the "cat got my tongue". Okay no really, well maybe just one more...

Okay in all seriousness though, I have never been that blatant (that I know of, as in the picture above). Unfortunately I found my self doing exactly this sort of thing this morning. Let me give you a little bit of background on me though before I dig in.

For those of you who have known me a long time, you know this point well. When I was growing up I would often make tactless, brutally honest,  comments without much forethought. I was never trying to be mean hearted or unkind. I was a kid, and I just didn't think. I don't recall if my mother ever coached me in this, though I am sure there were times she did.

Growing up this became a rather hard lesson for me (which I obviously need to do a fresh review on) that caused me and those who were at the receiving end of my unchecked candor some pain. As I got older it simply became my very opinionated comments. It didn't occur to me that the person I was speaking to might not only disagree with me, but might also be hurt by what I said. Even though my intention was not to insult but to simply state what I thought, I often made this error. This did not endear me to many, and I lost several friends or potential friends due to my lack of thoughtful consideration to my words.

I started to have a rather low self esteem over the fact that people just seemed not to like me, I couldn't understand why? I was fun, loving and kind. What was wrong with me? So I started to cave in. I didn't smile enough as some adults were happy to tell me. I became afraid to reveal who I really was. This sadly had a totally new affect on others my age that caused them not to like me. They thought I was being stuck up and snobby!!! Bless the girl who had the guts to tell me when I put her on the spot. I can't begin to say how important communication is but that is a post for another day.

So now your probably thinking okay that's all well and good but what does this have to do with the whole foot in mouth problem and how does it help me? Hold tight, I'm getting there.

So back to where I started from. This morning while speaking with a very close and dear friend, I not only embarrassed my self by sticking my foot in my mouth (which I swear grew three sizes in seconds), but I also know that I stomped all over her feelings and insulted her all in the same breath.  Now you will understand this picture a little bit more in case you didn't the first time through. Shall we reiterate?

So the embarrassment and humiliation of what a terrible Christian friend I was being ensued. 
Though I have already done so let me apologize again to my friend I'm sooooo sorry! I love you!!!

The thing is, I would have thought by now that with all the emotional upheaval my words have caused me you would think I would have learned my lesson by now. Last year my son and I worked on this verse. I will be meditating on it today.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

I am so blessed in my friend, for she was gracious enough to forgive me. The Lord has been so good to gift me with a friend who is not only a Christian, but one with a forgiving heart and a loving spirit. I admire this friend so much, and I am thankful that we have the kind of friendship where she was comfortable enough to call me on the fact that I spoken wrongly.

This verse is what the desire of my heart is to be to my friend as well as all others.

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24

Like many things of a sinful heart I have come to recognize that sometimes the words from my mouth are so strongly of my flesh. My prayer and my desire is that the words from my mouth would not hurt or judge, but instead be a loving encouragement to others. To be a representation of Christ rather than my flesh.

So how do we avoid eating dirt, crow, gritt and all kinds of nasty things that may be found on the bottom our feet? First, think, or think first, (however you prefer it) and consider your words before you speak. You may be speaking to family, friends, or a stranger, but either way words can cut like a knife. Next consider and maybe pray over the following verse.

 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14

If my words will not be pleasing to the Lord then I simply should not utter them.
 
I have proven to my self that I can't overcome the things that come out of my mouth completely on my own. I need His help sometimes.I know I need His help in touching the hearts of those I need or have needed forgiveness from. He is my rock and my redeemer. I know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 

Perhaps some day with enough prayer and consistent forethought to my words, I will make fewer mistakes. Also it would be nice to not have to wash that awful foot flavor out of my mouth quite so frequently. Because really in my experience most will see the green and black stuff in your teeth and then just walk away without saying a word. Time to get my mouth some spiritual mouth wash and perhaps a little "whitening" tooth paste. There is after all, nothing more whitening than the Lord :)   

I hope this pot is an encouragement to you.

Sincerely,
The Shepherds Daughter